You can rename your Alexa device in the Alexa app or through your device's settings in under a minute
Amazon Alexa devices come with default names like "Echo Dot" or "Echo Show", but you can change them to anything you want. The most straightforward way is through the Alexa mobile app on your phone or tablet. You can also rename directly on some devices using their touch screen. Either method takes about 30 seconds and doesn't require any technical knowledge.
Renaming is useful if you have multiple Alexa devices in your home — calling out "Alexa" in the kitchen when you have three Echos will trigger all of them. A custom name like "Kitchen Echo" or "Bedroom Alexa" lets you control the specific device you want. The name you choose is stored on your device and in your Amazon account, so it stays the same even if you restart the device.
Key Takeaways
- The Alexa app on your phone is the fastest way to rename any Alexa device, and works for all models.
- You can also rename directly on Echo devices with screens by going to Settings, then Device Options, then Device Name.
- Custom names help you control specific devices when you have more than one Alexa in your home.
- The new name syncs across all your devices and the Alexa app within a few seconds.
- You can change the name back to the default or to something new at any time with the same steps.
Renaming through the Alexa mobile app
Open the Alexa app on your phone or tablet and tap the Devices icon at the bottom right of the screen. You'll see a list of all your connected Alexa devices. Find the device you want to rename and tap on it to open its settings page.
At the top of the device settings page, you'll see the current name of your device. Tap on the name itself to edit it. A text box will appear where you can delete the old name and type in a new one. Type whatever you'd like — "Living Room", "Bedroom Echo", "Kitchen Speaker", or any other name that makes sense to you. Tap Save or press Done on your keyboard. The app will confirm the change, and your device will be renamed within a few seconds.
Renaming on Echo devices with a screen
If you have an Echo Show, Echo Spot, or another Alexa device with a touchscreen, you can rename it directly without using the app. Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the quick settings menu, then tap the Settings gear icon.
Scroll down and tap Device Options, then select Device Name. A keyboard will appear on the screen. Clear the current name and type your new one. Tap Save or OK to confirm. The device will update its name immediately and the change will sync to your Alexa app and any other devices in your account.
What names work best
You can use any name you want, but Alexa works best with names that are easy to say and clearly identify the device's location or purpose. Names like "Kitchen", "Bedroom", "Living Room", or "Office" work well because they tell you which device will respond when you give a command. You can also use creative names like "DJ Station" or "News Speaker" if you prefer.
Avoid very long names or names with special characters, as Alexa may have trouble recognizing them in voice commands. Stick to simple words and numbers if you plan to use voice commands to control that specific device. If you're just using the device for display purposes and won't be giving it location-based commands, any name you like will work fine.
Renaming multiple devices at once
If you have several Alexa devices and want to rename them all, you'll need to go through each one individually — there's no bulk rename feature in the Alexa app. However, the process is quick enough that renaming three or four devices takes only a few minutes. Open the Devices tab, tap each device, edit its name, and save.
A good strategy is to name devices by room first, then by device type if you have more than one in the same room. For example: "Kitchen Echo Dot" and "Kitchen Echo Show" make it clear which device is which. This naming system helps you remember which device is where, especially if you move devices around later.
What happens when you rename a device
When you change a device's name, the change is saved to your Amazon account and syncs across all your devices within a few seconds. If you have routines set up that reference the old device name, those routines will continue to work — Amazon automatically updates the device reference behind the scenes. You don't need to rebuild any routines or automations.
The old name is completely replaced and you can't undo the change through a standard undo button, but you can always rename the device again to whatever you want. If you forget what you named a device, open the Alexa app and check the Devices tab — it will show you the current name of every device in your account.
Troubleshooting if the name won't change
If you try to save a new name and it doesn't stick, first check that you're connected to the internet on both your phone and your Alexa device. The Alexa app needs an active connection to send the name change to Amazon's servers. Close the app completely and reopen it, then try renaming again.
If the problem continues, restart your Alexa device by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait for it to fully boot up (you'll hear a chime or see a light pattern), then try renaming through the app again. If you're still having trouble, sign out of the Alexa app on your phone, sign back in, and attempt the rename once more. These steps resolve most naming issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use voice commands to rename my Alexa device?
No, you can't rename an Alexa device by speaking to it. You have to use the Alexa app on your phone or the device's settings menu if it has a screen. This is a safety feature to prevent accidental renames from background conversations.
Will renaming my device affect my smart home routines or automations?
No, your routines and automations will continue to work normally. Amazon updates the device reference automatically when you rename, so you don't need to rebuild anything. Any routine that was set to run on that device will still run on it under its new name.
Can I rename my Alexa device to something with numbers or special characters?
You can type numbers and some special characters, but Alexa works best with simple names using letters and spaces. If you plan to use voice commands to control that specific device, stick to clear, easy-to-pronounce names. Names like "Kitchen 2" work fine, but avoid symbols like &, @, or #.
What if I have two Alexa devices with the same name?
Amazon will let you create duplicate names, but it's not recommended. When you give a voice command, both devices with the same name will respond, which defeats the purpose of renaming. Always give each device a unique name so you can control them individually.
Does renaming my device change my Wi-Fi network or Amazon account settings?
No, renaming only changes the display name of the device in your Alexa app and on the device itself. Your Wi-Fi connection, Amazon account, and all other settings remain unchanged. The device stays connected to the same network and account.